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Topic of the Month: October 2004: Stuffy nose and cough, sinusitis season is back
The crisp air and falling temperatures mean autumn is right around the corner, bringing with it sinusitis season. Experts estimate that 31 million people develop sinusitis each year1, making it one of the most common health conditions in America.
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In this month's topic you will:
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Q. What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, hollow cavities within the cheek bones around the eyes and behind the nose. Their primary function is to warm, moisten and filter air in the nasal cavity. Sinusitis usually is caused by inadequate draining of the sinus cavities due to allergies, infection or obstruction. A sinusitis condition can interfere with one's lifestyle because of the constant pain and discomfort.
Q. What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis, which is common in the fall and winter months, can be caused by colds, allergies, problems in the immune system or structural problems in the nasal cavity.
| What are sinuses? |
The sinuses are located in the front of the face in the forehead (frontal sinuses), between the eyes (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses) and in the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses). The sinus anatomy is illustrated below.
[click on thumbnail for large view] |
Q. What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
The signs and symptoms of the condition vary, and many people who suffer from it may not be aware they even have the disease or may be self-medicating improperly. Symptoms include thick yellow-green nasal discharge, headache, a feeling of facial swelling, congestion, fatigue, cough, a toothache and occasionally a fever.
Q. Is sinusitis related to other allergic diseases?
Yes, there is a close relationship between sinusitis and other allergic diseases. For instance, sinusitis rarely occurs without rhinitis. Patients with seasonal allergies, such as "hay fever," are more likely to experience a recurrence of their sinusitis. Also, the incidence of sinusitis in asthma patients ranges form 40% - 75%.
Q. Are there different types of sinusitis?
There are two different types, acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. In both forms, nasal congestion produces swelling in the sinus cavity, obstructing drainage and causing mucus to stagnate. This provides a breeding ground for infection.
- Acute sinusitis: When symptoms persist 10-30 days without improvement. Severe sinusitis may include a fever for 3-4 days with facial tenderness. Nearly all cases resolve themselves without antibiotics, however moderate to severe symptoms lasting more than 7 days indicating a bacterial infection may require antibiotics.
- Chronic sinusitis: Similar to acute sinusitis, although symptoms are less severe and reoccur throughout the year. It is often associated with a cough, bad breath, low-grade fever, facial pain, and/or fatigue.
Q. What is a sinus headache?
A sinus headache is a non-vascular headache due to pressure changes in the sinus cavities, whereas a migraine headache is the vascular spasm of cerebral arteries. The symptoms of a sinus headache include, pain, pressure and fullness over any sinus cavity corresponding to the cheeks, brow and forehead.
Q. Why should I see an allergist/immunologist for my sinusitis?
Allergic diseases can contribute to an onset of sinusitis. Unlike a cold, allergic disease is not a condition that you can just get over in time. The help of a trained allergist/immunologist to determine your allergy triggers, as well as other triggers which lead to sinus obstruction, can reduce how often you need to stay home from school or work because of symptoms. Avoidance of these triggers, coupled with treatment of other underlying allergic conditions, may help prevent further sinus infections.
Additional Resources:
 Sinusitis Tips Brochure
Spanish Sinusitis Tips Brochure
Physician Referral Directory
AAAAI Sinusitis Committee Education pages
This topic was reviewed on 9-29-04 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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